Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

The town of Saxton is divided into two sections, a newer part and an older part. There are several churches, the colliery (or coalmine), shops and homes. Harry Saville works in the pit at the colliery on the night shift.

Not long after the bombing begins, Colin's mother is taken to the hospital, where she stayed for six weeks. During that time, Colin barely saw his father and didn't live in his own house. Instead, he lived next door with Mr. and Mrs. Shaw who made sure he ate well, did his homework and went to school. Colin spent this time in a lonely and agitated state, not knowing where his mother had gone or when she would return. No one would tell him anything.

Harry would stop in to see Colin at the Shaw's home and, each time Colin asked...